Admit it!
You Don’t Know What Overclocking Is.
You consider yourself savvy, as far as computers are concerned. Heck, you’re the one Aunt Mable always calls when some ill spirit possesses her Tivo. But you heard someone singing the praises of (or lamenting their experience with) Overclocking while standing around the water cooler. Don’t say something dumb about the time/date display on your desktop. Read this, then school those aqua-swilling chumps but good.
What is OverClocking?
Overclocking is the practice of operating a computer above and beyond its rated clock speed. When this is done right, it forces a system to perform better while still maintaining stable, reliable operation. Several different parts of the computer are overclockable—however this term is usually applied when referring to overclocking a computer’s CPU. This is done by manually changing the processor’s clock speed, multiplier, and voltage settings.
The benefit of overclocking your CPU is performance. Fast systems can be made even faster. More importantly, a discerning (and cheap) user can coax higher performance out of a more affordable machine, without springing for a new one. But it is important to know that the overclocking abilities of each component varies, sometimes significantly. Some motherboard and CPU combos can be overclocked severely, others not at all.
So How Do I Overclock My PC?
Most of the newer PCs allow system-timing control through the Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS. You can get to the BIOS on your computer immediately after a system reboot. There should be a note at the bottom of the screen that reads “Press 
Conversely, it may be necessary to increase the CPU voltage to better handle the increased digital signals. Most enthusiasts try many, many versions before they find a balance they can live with.
The two things you must watch out for are Heat and Instability. The higher a CPUs clock speed, the hotter it’s going to get. (Warning: It’s going to heat up FAST) You might want to resort to more aggressive cooling techniques like more fans, bigger fans, or even water-cooled systems. (Never heard of this? Then stop reading, go to tigerdirect.com, and catch up. I’ll wait.)
Is that it? Why Doesn’t Everyone Do This?
Because it is most likely to damage the processor itself. Speed equals heat, it’s that simple. And remember, it’s not just melted parts, ruined components, and general fire hazards that can come from overclocking. This technique may get your PC out of whack, causing it to crash or behave erratically. Good Idea: Save your system’s original system settings before you start monkeying around. You’re especially vulnerable if you’ve had to increase the processor voltage. Heat-induced PC instability like CPU errors, premature failures, system lockups, and crashes are a classic sign that you’ve overdone the Overclocking. There’s another thing to consider: Overclocking almost always voids your warrantee. This makes sense: you wouldn’t expect a car dealer to buy a car back from you once you’d removed the radiator for a demolition derby. Some parts are sold with the ability to be overclocked built right in. Those you may still be in luck on. But if you didn’t buy your CPU for this function, and are wondering if overclocking will void the warrantee, a safe guess would be…Yes.
Related Links: Processors, Available at Tigerdirect!, Motherboards, Available at Tigerdirect!, Cooling Products, Available at Tigerdirect!
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